Convert your freelance hourly rate to a day rate, or calculate the optimal day rate for consulting and contracting engagements.
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Day rates are the currency of consulting. Rather than tracking every hour, you and your client agree on a fixed daily fee — clean, professional, and easy to invoice.
The simplest starting point is your hourly rate multiplied by your working day length. But many consultants add a 10-20% premium above the pure hourly equivalent. The reasoning: a client booking a full day gets your committed, uninterrupted attention — that certainty has value worth paying for.
Day rates also reflect market positioning. In the UK, for example, a senior technology consultant charging £500/day is signaling mid-market positioning. At £800-900/day, they're signaling senior expert status. Research current rates in your niche on platforms like People Per Hour, LinkedIn, or industry surveys.
When transitioning from hourly to day-rate billing, communicate the change as a simplification benefit for the client: "I'm moving to a day rate model — it's cleaner for both of us and removes the need for detailed timesheets." Most clients appreciate the predictability.
Day Rate
A fixed price charged per day of work, commonly used by consultants and contractors on project-based engagements.
Hourly Rate
The amount a freelancer charges per hour of work, calculated to cover expenses, taxes, and desired income.
Retainer
A recurring monthly payment from a client in exchange for guaranteed access to a set number of hours or deliverables.
A day rate is a fixed fee for a full working day, regardless of exact hours. It's simpler to invoice, removes the need for detailed time tracking, and is the norm for on-site consulting work. Many consultants add a 10-20% premium versus their hourly equivalent.
Typically 7-8 hours. Some contracts specify a half-day rate for less than 4 hours. Be clear in your contract what a 'day' means to avoid disputes.
Many freelancers do — the client gets certainty of your full attention for the day, which has value. A 10-20% markup is common. However, in competitive markets some freelancers keep day rates flat or even slightly discounted for the guaranteed booking.
Use day rates for on-site engagements, workshop facilitation, training days, and any work where you're giving a client your full, undivided attention for the day. Hourly is better for async work where your client only needs specific hours.
Hourly Rate Calculator
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Retainer Rate Calculator
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